Borno: Fire guts over 100 houses in IDP camp

Borno map

A fire outbreak has destroyed more than 100 thatched houses at the Water Board IDP Camp in Monguno, Borno State, according to the State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Daso stated that the fire broke out at approximately 4:30 pm on Friday and was reported to the Monguno Police Station by the camp chairman, Bukar Mbati.

“The inferno engulfed over 100 thatched houses, destroying foodstuffs and various household items,” Daso said.

He noted that the State Fire Service, the police, and other security agencies stationed at the camp successfully brought the flames under control. Following the incident, a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer (Supol Monguno) visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

“Thankfully, no lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded. While photographs of the damage have been taken, the total value of the destroyed property is yet to be ascertained,” the PPRO added.

Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Just a few days ago, a fire also razed 76 temporary shelters belonging to Internally Displaced Persons from Borno State in Ngamma village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, leaving many families homeless.

The blaze, which broke out in the afternoon, spread rapidly through the makeshift shelters before it was brought under control. One person was injured and hospitalised, while several households suffered total losses, including livestock, foodstuffs, and other essential household items. Punch